New Year, Same News…sort of

Please hold…

It is no surprise, but things in the neighborhood and the city of Meridian have held steady this winter. While the supply of available homes in Lochsa Falls is about the same, the demand has also remained consistent. We are holding in a seller’s market with a little over 2 months of inventory available.

So what does this mean?

It could mean that the market here is stabilizing. Or it could mean that we are slow because it is winter, it is cold, and people aren’t thinking about moving during the holidays.

One thing I have noticed is that currently available homes are sitting on the market longer than usual. Since August, homes have sold in Lochsa Falls in about 40 days. But 2/3 of the homes currently active have been on the market over 40 days. Several of them are over 80 days.

This doesn’t mean that the homes are undesirable or overpriced. Every seller has their own situation and motivations for selling. But you could argue that there may be some bargains out there. The key to figuring that out is in-depth research and doing your due diligence.

Market Notes

The FSBO (For Sell By Owner) at 2560 Wolf Rapids is still available. The home will be available to show by appointment starting again next week, January 7. It is a 4 bed, 3 bath two story home with 3,465 sf and is on 0.32 acres. They are asking $539,000. If you would like to make an appointment, you can call 208-350-9700. Or I would be happy to set that up for you. Just give me a call (208-830-7115) or send me an email, vince@ amherstlegacy.com.

Rentals available – Rattlesnake is the spot

On the rental market in Lochsa Falls is 2279 W Rattlesnake Drive. They are asking $2,295 for the 3,200sf home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and parking for 3 vehicles.

2290 W Rattlesnake Drive is also on the rental market. It is a 4 bed, 3 bath, 2,560 square foot home and they are asking $1,950/mo. Click here to see the link on Zillow and call 208-287-0404 for more details.

1828 W. Divide Creek is still available for rent at $2,100/mo. It is 5 bed, 4.5 bath and 3,431 sf. It was for sale this past September but now is on the rental market. Call Juli at 208-298-9449 for details.Just rented!

If you have a rental property that you would like to share, let me know. I’m happy to spread the word!

Open Houses

As of Wednesday morning, there is one open house scheduled. It is a new listing by Eva Steinwald (Amherst Madison) and will be Sunday, January 6 from 1:00-4:00 PM. The home is located at 2202 Root Creek and is listed for $385,000. It is 2,777 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Click here to learn more.

Definitions – what is a closing

Hooray, we just signed the closing paperwork on our new home! Give me the keys!

NOT SO FAST

One misconception about closing on a home is that as soon as the paperwork is signed you can move right in. But the buyer must keep a few things in mind before moving their boxes and furniture into the new home.

Move in time starts with your contract. Make sure that you are allowed to occupy the home upon settlement. Some sellers wish to occupy the home for a short time after you close. The contract will tell you one way or the other.

Also, until the deal is funded, the closing process hasn’t completely finished. If money is being wired, there is a process that must be followed (your title company should be working on this for you). But this process is not instantaneous and some banks will not process wires 24 hours per day. I just completed a purchase where the cut off time was 2:00 PM Eastern Time. It was a Friday. If they didn’t get the wire before then, the closing wouldn’t have completed until Monday!

Closing is exciting for every party. Make the most of it by knowing all the details!

What Else is Going On?

Unlimited garbage removal this week! When I spoke with Republic Services, they told me that this week, you can put as much garbage out as you would like. Their stipulations on trash were that you either have it in a garbage bag next to your trash cart. Or if it is a large item (like a BBQ or mattress) that you call ahead so they are ready.

For recycling, it is very much the same. During our first recycle week of the year, put your recyclable materials next to the recycle cart. Their stipulation is that the items are no bigger than what you would be able to fit in the recycle cart. So you may need to cut them up to fit.

If you have a real Christmas tree this year and plan to utilize Meridian’s trash removal (Republic Services), here is what they are offering, copied directly from their website: “Christmas Tree Recycling – Christmas trees are recycled the first full week in January. Cut trees and branches into 4ft pieces and place curbside on service day. Trees with lights, tinsel, ornaments, a stand, or flocked will not be accepted.” Learn more at their website by clicking here.

Thank you, Lochsa Falls, for our dog bag holder thingies

I don’t know what they are called or who manages them, but I wanted to say thank you to whoever is in charge of maintaining the doggie posts around the neighborhood. There are about 4-5 of them in Lochsa Falls and they always have bags to clean up after our pups. And the garbage cans don’t ever seem to overfill.

To whoever is taking care of these units, thank you! We know it is a dirty job but we (and our pets) really appreciate you!

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